Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician

Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technicians are members of the health care team who interact directly with patients and perform ECGs and collect blood samples for laboratory analysis.

Inside the laboratory, graduates assist other health professionals by sorting and preparing samples for testing, operating laboratory equipment, performing basic laboratory testing under supervision and managing data using computers.

The program includes two semesters of classroom and laboratory learning followed by a four-week field placement in the laboratories of partner hospitals and private institutions. The College arranges the placement, while students are responsible for related placement costs such as tuition, travel, room and board.

The curriculum aligns with the CSMLS Competency Profile for Medical Laboratory Assistants, allowing graduates to write the national certification exam.

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[No co-op. The four-week placement is unpaid and is a separate field placement component.]

Graduates are qualified to write the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) certification exam for Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician.

Graduates may find employment primarily in:

• Hospital laboratories
• Private laboratory companies
• Health clinics
• Public health laboratories

The program is identified as an allied health program and is accredited by Accreditation Canada.

Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) (http://www.csmls.org/)

Graduates develop skills in:

• Collecting blood samples using venipuncture and capillary methods.
• Performing ECG testing.
• Receiving, accessioning and assessing the integrity of specimens.
• Handling blood, body fluids and tissues for diagnostic testing.
• Using laboratory equipment and materials safely and appropriately.
• Performing basic laboratory testing under supervision.
• Applying laboratory safety standards and relevant legislation.
• Using microscopy and specimen preparation techniques.
• Applying foundational knowledge of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, histology, hematology and transfusion science.
• Following quality management and safety practices in clinical laboratory environments.
• Communicating professionally with patients, clients and other healthcare professionals.
• Maintaining confidentiality, informed consent and ethical standards.
• Demonstrating entry-to-practice technical and professional competencies in a laboratory setting.

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including:

• Grade 12 English at the C or U level
• Grade 12 Math at the C or U level
• Grade 11 or 12 Biology or Chemistry at the C or U level

For OSSD equivalency options, see Admission Requirements (https://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/apply/admission-requirements).

If prerequisite courses are missing, students may enroll in the Career/College Prep program (https://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/learn/career-college-prep).

Students with transcripts from outside Canada are directed to Applying to SLC - With Your Transcripts (https://www.stlawrencecollege.ca/apply/apply-with-your-transcript).

Health Requirements

Students must complete a Pre-Placement Health Form as a condition of placement.

• Immunization records must be submitted before the start of the program.
• Hepatitis B immunity status must be documented.
• Students must complete required communicable disease and immunization documentation.
• Mask fit testing is required before placement.
• Minimum CPR Level BLS and Standard First Aid certification must be current for placement.

Pre-Placement Health Form information is provided through Placement Pass by ParaMed (https://slc.placementpass.ca/).

[Needs Fleming verification of the specific health-clearance process, forms and requirements.]

Other Requirements

• WHMIS training must be completed before attending laboratory classes.
• Students must have current CPR Level BLS and Standard First Aid certification for placement.
• Students must complete a Vulnerable Sector Screening / Police Record Check before placement.
• International students require a Co-op Work Permit with the appropriate remarks before placement.
• Students require access to a reliable personal device such as a laptop or tablet for online assessments.

Students should have effective written and verbal communication skills, an aptitude for biological sciences, strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Computer experience is an asset.

[Needs Fleming verification of whether all listed hardware, background and placement requirements should appear on the Fleming program page.]

The program includes a four-week unpaid field placement following completion of Semester 2. The placement provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate entry-to-practice technical and professional competencies in a laboratory setting.

Under supervision, students collect blood samples and handle information, equipment and specimens within the laboratory. Students also complete reflective practice activities and demonstrate professional growth.

Placement is arranged by the College. Placement selection may be by random draw in oversubscribed areas, and students may be placed anywhere in Ontario.

Students are responsible for placement-related costs, including applicable tuition, travel, room and board, certification requirements and other required documentation.

[Needs Fleming verification of placement duration, placement locations and current placement requirements.]

The program is competency-based and aligned with national CSMLS standards.

Students are expected to maintain a minimum 60% continuance grade in all core courses, including theory and laboratory components, to continue in the program.

Laboratory attendance is mandatory. Students should expect practical, hands-on assessments throughout the program.

SLC states that there is no fast-track option for university students or students from other post-secondary programs, although transfer credits may be possible.

Students may have the opportunity to apply to the Medical Laboratory Science program (K0134) through advanced-level entry after completing the common first-year courses. A minimum 63% final grade in all required courses, excluding general education courses, is required to be eligible to apply. Admission is competitive and meeting the minimum requirement does not guarantee admission.

[Needs Fleming verification of whether the Medical Laboratory Science pathway should be included on the Fleming page.]